Dear Family and Friends,
I have just read a wonderful article on Sifu's website: http://shaolin.org/general-2/developmental-stages.html, which I wanted to share here on the forum.
I particularly loved Sifu's description of what really makes the difference in the making of a Master: gratitude.
I realized that disappointment can take many shapes: being disappointed with oneself, with (seemingly) slow progress, with the teacher, with brothers and sisters, with one's family, with life in general, with the weather, with unexpected circumstances, with the taste of that weird apple, etc...
What struck me too is that disappointment is what precedes arrogance. It made me look back on times when I was disappointed in something (not necessarily related to training), and how indeed this led to very deceptive arrogance. After all, I can only be disappointed in something if I think it should be different, and therefore if I think I know how it should be.
The heartwarming fact is that there is one simple antidote: gratitude. It is very hard to feel disappointed by anything when we feel grateful.
Thank you Sifu for yet another profound lesson!
With love and respect,
Hubert.
I have just read a wonderful article on Sifu's website: http://shaolin.org/general-2/developmental-stages.html, which I wanted to share here on the forum.
I particularly loved Sifu's description of what really makes the difference in the making of a Master: gratitude.
Originally posted by Grandmaster Wong
What struck me too is that disappointment is what precedes arrogance. It made me look back on times when I was disappointed in something (not necessarily related to training), and how indeed this led to very deceptive arrogance. After all, I can only be disappointed in something if I think it should be different, and therefore if I think I know how it should be.
The heartwarming fact is that there is one simple antidote: gratitude. It is very hard to feel disappointed by anything when we feel grateful.
Originally posted by Grandmaster Wong
With love and respect,
Hubert.
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